Esprit 2.2Turbo SE Scrap or Sell?

[tommythenodd]

Hi Guys, its been a long time since i was on here and when you read down you'll understand why!

I have a 2.2 Turbo SE 1990, which has not been driven in a couple of years. It was garaged for 2 years and when i went to move it the clutch was stuck open. The engine started but only one light popped up.

I had to move the car because i moved house and decided following a chat to my local mechanic that he would restore it to MOT and i would sell. However with all best intention this has not happened. The car is now sitting outside his workshop and i think the best thing for me is to get rid of it.

The question is, should i sell it as it is or sell it for scrap. Selling it as it is would be easy, but would i gain more if i sold the engine and gearbox separately etc?

Its has approximately 40,000 miles, its British Racing Green, Cream interior and lots of history.

I would appreciate any comments? Thanks

Liam

[Autocross7]

I would certainly not break the car for scrap. The issues you noted are simple repairs and I expect that there is not anything beyond do-able to get this car on the road again. It might take some time and some as you go funding...

There are not a lot of Esprits out there as we all know and personally think it would be a bad thing to break up a car that was not trashed in an accident or something. I'd only break a car that could not be made to go again. Currently a good friend and I are (mostly him) are putting a Ferrari 308GTS back together. It had a broken 5th gear, frozen clutch, bad belts, rust that had to be cut out and panels put in, and the interior is rot. By contrast a 308 is practically a Honda with regards to production numbers... so you can bet we would be getting that Esprit back on the road! If you cannot or will not correct the issues, I think you should sell it for a fair price to a bloke that might just be looking for a do able Esprit project car.:yes:


Cameron

[GregWO]

Good advise Cameron. I also agree. Do not break the Esprit. Sell it as-is to someone who likes to take on projects.

[87 esprit]

where is the car ?

[GregWO]

I believe Liam is in the UK because he mentions MOT. A pretty comprehensive and strict UK vehicle inspection program.

[Brian Skeoch]

Cameron, I thoughtthe 308 skin was made of fiberglass.

ha.

sorry..

[Autocross7]

In 76' there were a few cars that had bonnets and rear decks made of fiber glass. They are not common but not special...
these cars are bad about rusting up from behind on the front wheel arched and the doors are worth a check if buying. The battery box areas are def. prone to rust if owners do not take the time to pull the spare and clean under there from time to time.


Cameron

[Kylie]

Nooooo ....... do not break it for scrap just because you cant be bothered sorting what could be a weekends work on it.

No doubt some electrical connectors will be dodgy which will just need cleaning up.
Water in rad will need flushing through theres bound to be some crud.
New fluids all round and a general lube on moving parts.
New battery and at most a few hours to sort the clutch out.
If this sounds too much for you budget your better off selling as is for best offer.

Anyway good luck and hope you get it back on the road.

[tommythenodd]

thanks for the comments.

i will sell the car as it is, thanks to comments received.

i would like a fair price though. the car is in London.

anybody interested can contact me on liam_caplis@hotmail.com

thanks again

[Martin]

Glad the board could help. If you get some pictures and further details you are welcome to post it here:
http://www.lotusbuzz.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50

[Esprit2]

Liam,
At least you're not living out in some small country village with no Lotus support. You should be able to find a Lotus shop in London that can do the repairs required to pass the MOT and do it in a timely manner. A mechanic not very experienced with the Esprit can have the transaxle out in about 3 hours, and about the same going back in. Once it's out, dealing with the clutch is relatively simple and routine.

The electrical issues are probably just corroded contacts... that happens during storage/ inactivity.

It will cost some money to do the repairs, but selling it as-is will cost you in terms of a lower selling price. Fix it, and keep it.

Good luck,
Tim Engel

[Mark B.]

Are you in the South or the North of the UK? If you're in the South put it on the back of a low loader and take it to Esprit Engineering. Geoff will get it back on the road for half the price of anyone else and you can sell it for a much better price. Geoff specialises in the X180, SE, S4 and GT3 Esprits and looks after my car.

Tel: 01725 514449

www.espritengineeering.co.uk (http://www.espritengineering.co.uk/menus/main.asp)

[Kylie]

Hi Liam any progress here? :)